Improvement in machines for affixing stamps to letters



W. BENSEMAN E'. SLCUM. Machines for Aflxing Stamps to Letters. N0.138,120, ParentedAprilzzJem i um Mig lkw/@210k 4the stand A` by the standard a.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.n

WINFIELD BEN SEMAN AND ELEZER SLOOUM, 0F WASHINGTON, D. G.

IMPROVEMENT IN MACHINESFOR AFFIXING STAMPS TO LETTERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N o. 138,120, dated April 22, 1873; application died April 2, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we,W1NEIELn BENsE- MAN and ELEZER SLocUM, both of Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain Improvements on Machine for Affixing `Stamps to Letters, of which the following is a specification:

This invention relates to that class of devices used for aliixing stamps to letters, Src., which consist, essentially, of a receptacle for stamps, a spring for feeding the stamps forward and pressing them upon the letter or envelope, and a means for moistening the envelope Where the stamp is to be aflxed. Our improvement consists in feeding the stamps down upon a spring-plate provided with an inclined apron so constructed vand arranged that the forward edge of the stamp will project over the inclined apron a little distance, so that a letter can be slipped in over the apron between the spring-plate and the stamp. A roller, revolving in contact with a wetsponge, overhangs the inclined apron, and moistens the envelope on its introduction between the stamps and the spring-plate underneath.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of our improved device. Fig. 2 is a vertical section thereof.

The same letters of reference are used in both figures in the designation of identical parts.

The postage -stamps are placed' in the box A beneath the follower B, which presses them down upon a plate, C. The boxAhas a'door, a, in one side for the convenient introduction of the stamps, and is firmly secured to The stem B1 of the follower passes through the top of the box A, terminating in a'knob,`b, and is encircled by a spiral spring, B2, which bears with one end against the follower, and with the other against the top of the box; and is of suiiicient length to be still somewhat compressed when the follower is llush with the open-ended bottom of the box, at which point its downward movement is checked by the nob b coming in contact with the top of the The plate C is supported on the springs D and D', which press it forcibly against the end of the box A to hold the stamps in position. The forward end of the plate is bent down to form an inclined apron, C', over which the letters or envelopes to be provid- .Ft e s ed with stamps are guided between the plate C and the lowermost stamp in the box.

It will be observed that the horizontal part of vthe spring-plate does not extend to quite the front side of the box, but that the inclined apron reaches a short distance under the same. Thus the stamp, being held by the plate C in a horizontal position, will-project with its forward edge a little distance over the inclined apron, permitting the ready insertion of a letter or envelope between the stamp and plate. The inclined apron C projects `some distance beyond the box, and overhanging it is a roller, E, so disposed as to come in contact with the top of the envelope as it is fed forward over the inclined apron. 0n top the roller bears against a sponge, F, saturated with water, and resting in a vat, G.

An anti-friction roller, H, may be arranged in the plate C to facilitate the insertion of thel letters between the plate and stamps.

It may be `observed that the device described may be modified in some particulars without departing from the principle of our invention. Thus a gravitating follower may be used instead of one actuated by a spring; the plate G may be carried on rigid posts instead of Vupon springs; and other means may be provided for moistening thc roller E-for instance, a reservoir may be used from which water is continually dropping upon the roller.

A rubber cushion may be substituted for the springs D D.

What we claim as our invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination of a xed box, A, a follower, B, and plate (l, forming the bottom of the box, and having an inclined apron, C', operating substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The combination of a xed box, A, a follower, B, plate C, forming the bottom of the box, and having an inclined apron, C', and moistening-roller E, relatively arranged and operating substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WINFIELD BENSEMAN. ELEZER SLOOUM. Witnesses:

Jos. T. K. PLANT, W. BRADFORD. 

